Europe Bakes Under Early Heatwave as Heat Dome Traps High Temperatures

Europe is experiencing an early heatwave this week, with millions across the continent facing extremely high temperatures. Experts attribute these conditions to a "heat dome," a meteorological phenomenon trapping dangerous heat and humidity. A heat dome forms when a high-pressure system remains stationary for several days, effectively creating a lid that traps warm air below it. This atmospheric stability prevents cooler air from displacing the trapped heat, leading to prolonged periods of intense temperatures, as observed across Europe as of June 23, 2026.